Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a young constituent of Illinois, Miss Rosalie Platt of Chicago. Rosalie was recently selected as one of the winners in the ``Yes I Can! International Awards Program.'' The Yes I Can! Foundation is a national foundation committed to improving the lives of children and youth with special exceptionalities. Created as a nonprofit organization in June of 1971, the mission of the Yes I Can! Foundation is to encourage, enhance, and empower children with disabilities, as well as young individuals with special gifts or talents, in the pursuit of their individual goals and dreams. For the past 31 years, the Foundation's mission has been to design and implement programs that help to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities. Yes I Can!, through the administration of several national programs, has been dedicated to building interdependent communities that value and support these children. The Foundation recognizes the accomplishments of extraordinary children and youth, widely sharing stories of their successes, and activating a supportive network of strategic partners and activities. It is my honor to recognize Miss Rosalie Platt for her exceptional contributions to the community and for having great confidence in herself to overcome adversity. In addition, I commend the Yes I Can! Foundation for its commitment to giving those who are challenged the hope and means to overcome those challenges.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the workers of the Solidarity Trade Union in Poland. On August 30 we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the worker strikes in Poland that led to the unprecedented establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union. At the end of the Second World War, Poland was forcefully incorporated into the Soviet Union's Communist Bloc. By 1980, they endured decades of communism, with endemic corruption, the lies of its press, and its denial of basic human and worker rights. Although major strikes and uprisings had taken place, all of them had been put down violently by military forces and the leaders had been arrested. Things began to change in 1979 when Pope John Paul II, in his first official visit to his homeland, encouraged the people of Poland to be not afraid. Empowered by the Pope's words, Poles soon began standing up to their communist government. On August 14, 1980, at the Lenin Shipyard in the Baltic port city of Gdansk, 17,000 workers staged a strike under the leadership of Lech Walesa. Initially formed as a response to increases in the price of food and a dismissal of several popular workers, the strike soon evolved into a broad demand for workers' rights. In mid-August, 1980, an interfactory strike committee was established in Gdansk to coordinate rapidly spreading strikes there and elsewhere. Within a week, the committee presented the Polish Government with a list of 21 demands ranging from the right to join independent unions and an increase in the minimum wage to broader issues such as censorship. On September 22, 1980, Solidarity was formally established and became the first independent labor union in any Soviet bloc country. By early 1981 the trade union had a membership of about 10 million people and represented most of the workforce in Poland. In the early 1980s, Solidarity was forcibly suppressed by the Communist government and Solidarity was declared illegal. Although the union was formally dissolved, it continued as an underground organization. Solidarity reemerged in 1989 to become the first opposition movement to participate in free elections in a post-Soviet bloc nation since the 1940s. The case of Solidarity, the movement that ended communism in Poland without bloodshed, inspired other nations under Soviet control to do the same and led to the end of the Cold War. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the strikes in Poland. Let us remember Solidarity as the beginning of a great struggle that ended decades of oppression and tyranny in Eastern Europe and led to the establishment of democracy in Poland. We must recognize and forever remember the sacrifice, determination, and struggle that Poland endured to secure their freedom.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding community leader in my district, Mr. Steve Paczolt, who recently completed 12 years of service with the Park District of La Grange's Board of Commissioners. A lifelong resident of La Grange, Mr. Paczolt has helped guide the tremendous growth and improvements the Park District has enjoyed, including the community's recent approval for the construction of a new indoor recreation facility. Steve's community involvement and service goes well beyond his dedication to providing recreation opportunities for his fellow residents. He has served as leader in innumerable other organizations, including: the Rich Port YMCA Board; the H-Foundation, which raises funds for brain cancer research; the Arts and Business Council of Chicago; the Illinois Association of Park Districts; Stage Left Theater Board; the Theatre Building of Chicago Board; the Western Springs Police Department as an Auxiliary Officer; the La Grange Business Association; and West Suburban Chamber of Commerce. Steve has also found the time to build a thriving insurance and financial services business in the community. He specializes in insuring theatrical productions and musical concerts. He has worked with some of the biggest names in show business, yet he still treats every one of his customers like a superstar. He has also served his profession as an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, including serving on the Education and Government Affairs and Federal Legislative committees. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in a salute to Steve Paczolt for his great service on the Park District of La Grange Board, as well as for his lifetime of dedication and service to the community of La Grange. I give him my best wishes for many more years of giving back to his community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of six exemplary veteran teachers who have combined experience of over 166 years in the teaching profession. In April these six teachers were honored with the Heart of St. Richards Parish award because of the positive influences they contribute to students, families, and the whole community of St. Richards Parish. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these teachers for their outstanding commitment to our Nation's youth. They stand as a symbol of the positive influences that teachers contribute to students every day across this great country. The first teacher I am privileged to recognize is Mrs. Kathleen Riordan Pona who began teaching in 1959 with a class of 51 energetic second grade students. Mrs. Pona has served with 4 pastors and 7 principals who have helped her build the foundation that has continued the road of success at St. Richards School. Her 43 years of teaching is a shining light for teachers around the country who are beginning their careers in teaching and struggling to bring success to the classroom on an annual basis. This Nation is indebted to Mrs. Pona and teachers like her who have made teaching their first love. Miss Joann Gaus began her teaching career in 1969 at St. Richards School and continually requested new opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to benefit the lives of her students. Miss Gaus had the honor of taking an active part in the parochial education of her students preparing them for both Communion and Reconciliation. She has been a team leader in the teaching profession by being a coordinator for nearly every subject area and representing her fellow faculty members at meetings within the Archdiocesan Council. Another outstanding teacher is Ms. Josephine Granat who has graciously and excitedly served her students for 32 years in teaching and 17 years at St. Richards. Her concern for her students is matched by the excitement and energy that she brings into the classroom. St. Richards is proud and lucky to have such a great teacher continuing her career at their institution of learning. Mrs. Rita Zbella is currently in her 29th year of teaching at St. Richards School, where she came and taught in 1976. Mrs. Zbella has proven to be an essential asset to St. Richards where she is currently teaching the computer class, which ranges from 3-year-old preschoolers to 8th grade junior high students. Her commitment to her family and profession is representative of the sacrifices teachers make everyday in their lives. Mr. Frank Trapani has been a teacher for 28 years, dedicating 20 of those years at St. Richards teaching religion and social studies. Individuals like Mr. Trapani enjoy the feeling of community, connection, brotherhood and sisterhood, and culture that a teacher receives when teaching at a parochial school. As a teacher, Mr. Trapani enjoys the privilege of being able to know his students, their parents, and the community that make up St. Richards Parish. He is truly grateful to have been able to dedicate his life to the teaching profession. Finally, it is an honor to give praise to Mrs. Pamela Toppings, who began her teaching career in 1984 and has dedicated 21 years to St. Richards School. Her career is a promising one and her experience with St. Richards has been rewarding. St. Richards is fortunate to have a quality teacher as shown by Mrs. Topping's dedication and hard work. I am honored today to pay tribute to 6 wonderful and dedicated teachers who have shown quality service to a great institution, St. Richards School. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Kathleen Riordan Pona, Joann Gaus, Josphine Granat, Rita Zbella, Frank Trapani, Pamela Toppings, and the parish of St. Richards for the many years it has provided services to the community and wish them the very best in the years yet to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Nancy Cross in recognition for her commitment and dedication to the youth of School District 101 in Illinois. For over 30 years, Ms. Cross has devoted her time to students and families of the Third Congressional District. Now, as she prepares for retirement, we would like to thank her for her countless years of fine service. For the last thirty-six years, Ms. Cross has spent her life educating the residents of Illinois School District 101, first at the John Laidlaw Elementary School, and for the past twenty-four years at Forest Hills Elementary School, both located in Western Springs. At Forest Hills, Ms. Cross not only serves in a teaching capacity for the fifth grade, but also as the Head Teacher, who is second in command. In this position, she has been willing to help her principal in any capacity, especially by running the school in the principal's absence. However, Ms. Cross's main contribution has been to her students, helping them learn how to enjoy reading. A bibliophile herself, Ms. Cross has shown through her own dedication to the written word and the imaginative world of books, that reading can be not only productive but enjoyable and engaging. She is often found reading to her students, and this exercise has left an indelible mark on many of them who still remember those class times spent listening to Ms. Cross. Because of Ms. Cross's undeniable love for books and her ability to shape the minds of her young students, she has been an outstanding teacher for over thirty years, expanding and encouraging all of her students to reach as far as they can. It is a certainty that our entire community will feel a loss left by the retirement of Ms. Cross. The parents and children of School District 101 are fortunate to have had such an energetic and devoted teacher like Ms. Cross. Through her dedication and love of educating the young minds of this country, Ms. Cross has made a difference and should be recognized for her outstanding and selfless contributions to our nation's youth and their families, especially the students and families of Western Springs. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Nancy Cross as an outstanding educator who has had a distinguished career. She has done nothing less than an extraordinary job preparing America's future generations. We thank and congratulate her for an extraordinary career, and we wish her well in retirement.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a member of my community who truly exemplified the dedication and hard work required of his ancient profession. As the longtime owner and operator of a popular Chicago neighborhood bakery, Erich R. Weber never knew an easy day. For many years, the Chicago native would begin his workday at 2 a.m., breaking by mid-afternoon to have dinner with his family, then returning to the bakery later in the evening. Family members said that in addition to keeping the business side running, he was also the baker behind many of the pastries that disappeared quickly from the shelves. ``He was first and foremost a baker,'' said his son Michael. ``He wore his whites every day.'' Mr. Weber, age 71, the longtime owner of Weber's Bakery on the Southwest Side, died April 7, 2005. Mr. Weber graduated from St. Rita High School in 1951. He received a bachelor's degree in baking science and management from Florida State University in Tallahassee in 1955. That same year he married his wife of 49 years, Bernadine, a fellow student. Mr. Weber learned to bake from his father, a German immigrant, who founded the bakery in Chicago in 1930. Originally on Kedzie Avenue, the bakery moved in the 1940s to 63rd Street, and in 1979 to 7055 W. Archer Ave. in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. After serving 2 years in the Air Force during the late 1950s, Mr. Weber returned to Chicago, where he joined his father at the bakery. For several years, father and son served as co-presidents of the Chicago Lawn Chamber of Commerce. ``With his college background, my father brought an understanding of the business end of things,'' said Mr. Weber's son, Michael, who now owns and operates the bakery. ``He was technology wise and willing to take chances.'' Family members said that when more Hispanic residents moved into the bakery's neighborhood, Mr. Weber introduced more ethnic pastries such as tres leche cake, or three milk cake, which became popular with his customers. ``He was very good at adapting to the changing needs and times of the neighborhood, but he never gave in to trends,'' his son said. The father of seven sons, including his late son, David, Mr. Weber often sought the help of family at the bakery, especially during holidays. ``One of my fondest memories is of Dad and me rolling hundreds of loaves of bread during Holy Week at Easter time, and all before the sun came up,'' said his son Michael. ``It was a chance to be alone with him and just talk.'' After retiring in 1996, Mr. Weber spent much of his time traveling with his wife and enjoying winters at his home in Naples, FL. Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Weber and Mike Weber, as well as Mr. Weber's five other sons, Mark, Paul, Phillip, Stephen and Kurt; his brother, Gilbert; and his 21 grandchildren.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding American--Mr. Thomas Brown of La Grange, IL, who passed away on April 11, 2005. To say that Tom Brown devoted his life to service is an understatement. A native of Cicero, IL, Mr. Brown married his childhood sweetheart, the former Helen Sauer in 1942--right before joining the Army Air Corps as a bombardier. While flying a mission on March 26, 1945, Lieutenant Brown's bomber was hit by enemy fire over Austria, and the father-to-be became a prisoner of war. Not satisfied to sit on the sidelines for the remainder of the war, Lieutenant Brown joined his fellow prisoners in overpowering the guards--and then stealing a German plane! The escapees flew the plane to Allied-occupied Yugoslavia, where they crash-landed the plane after being shot at by Allied troops. Lieutenant Brown received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in the storybook escape. Upon returning to the states after the war, Tom Brown did what most veterans did at the time--he went to work, in his case, in the family plumbing business, and he raised a family with Helen. Mr. Brown's devotion to service led him into local politics, and he served on the La Grange Village Board from 1968 to 1973 and as Village President from 1973 to 1977. In 1983, Mr. Brown took a position as La Grange Code Enforcement Officer and Plumbing Inspector, working until his retirement in 2002. He was well-known around the community for his wit and easygoing personality. As current La Grange Village President Tim Hansen said, Tom Brown was ``the classic old Irish character.'' ``He was just terrific at limericks and he had a knack for putting people at ease. Both he and Helen have been great friends to the village--just stalwarts in their commitment to helping the village or the church or whatever cause needed them,'' President Hansen said. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Brown and the Brown children, as on the passing of Tom Brown, who represented so well the ``Greatest Generation.''

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to join the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) in support of H.R. 1158, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act. I commend her for her support today, and I also commend the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart) for taking a leadership role in pursuing this legislation dating back to the last Congress. This bill will benefit our constituents, Democrat and Republican alike. It has been a pleasure to have this opportunity to work in a bipartisan effort to bring this measure to the floor today. Today, almost one-quarter of the steel production in the United States is in the Chicago, northern Indiana region. But, unfortunately, our country no longer hails as the world's leading producer. My constituents in the Third District of Illinois have been especially impacted by the changes that have come from increased foreign competition. In my area, families and communities have been badly hurt by job losses. But the impact has also been felt in other places around the country. My father-in-law in Johnstown, Pennsylvania lost his job as a steelworker when his plant was forced to close. This bill will help prevent further losses of good American jobs by increasing the competitiveness of our domestic manufacturing. I also strongly believe that the overall prospects for the American steel industry have an important bearing on our future economic security as well as our national security. For these reasons, I strongly support this bill, which has become known as the metals initiative. This bill, improving upon a program which was originally passed by the 108th Congress, authorizes Federal cost-sharing of research. The goals of this research are threefold: increased competitiveness for the U.S. metals industry, energy efficiency, and a cleaner environment. The development of technologies that will increase energy efficiency as well as improve our international competitiveness is key to maintaining our national security, both from an economic and a military perspective. Likewise, the implementation of more environmentally friendly technologies that reduce emissions or reduce demand for petroleum will result in both a public benefit, a cleaner environment; and a private benefit, a cut in the cost of production. The metals initiative has three very important provisions that make it a commonsense vehicle for pursuing cooperation between government and industry. First, there is a payback provision which requires that the Federal investment be repaid out of net proceeds of commercialization once the technology is developed. This provision prevents the program from taking on the negative connotations of a mere Federal subsidy. Instead, it provides a framework for these domestic companies, their employees, and the communities that rely upon the revenue bases to benefit from the new technologies that are made possible through this public-private partnership. The second provision that makes this partnership work is the 70 percent/30 percent government-industry cost-share. When industry puts their own money at risk, the projects get senior management attention. Historically, these types of steel research and development projects have yielded results that meet national needs and are highly marketable, producing a win-win situation. The third provision calls for industry ownership of intellectual property produced from the research. Twenty-five years of experience under the Bayh-Dole Act has shown that when ownership of patents is left with inventors, the likelihood that patents will be put to commercial use dramatically increases. This factor creates opportunities for economic growth and better job security for hard- working Americans. The Metals Initiative is simply a great example of how public private partnerships can benefit both taxpayers and share holders. It will help enrich the overall economy, offer much needed stimulation for the growth of technology in key industries, and protect the environment. With recent changes in trade laws and other international forces at work, we owe it especially to the people who work in these industries. All Americans benefit from such commonsense programs. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1158 today and vote ``yes'' on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the greatest public servant and political leader the City of Chicago has ever produced, the late Mayor Richard J. Daley. Mayor Daley, who passed away in 1976, was elected and inaugurated to his first term as mayor 50 years ago this month. It is not an overstatement to say that the Chicago most of the world recognizes today is a legacy of Mayor Daley. In his 21 years in office, Mayor Daley earned the nickname Dick the Builder, as he helped guide the construction of the Sears Tower, O'Hare Airport, the John Hancock building, Chicago's expressway system, McCormick Place, twice, and dozens of other renowned landmarks synonymous with the city. Richard J. Daley turned the city of Al Capone and pork bellies into the world capital of Mies Van der Rohe and jet travel. The great Chicago songwriter Steve Goodman put it this way in a tribute song: ``When it came to building big buildings, no job was too tough. Daley built McCormick place twice because once was not enough.'' Last night, Richard J. Daley's memory was honored at a dinner by those who knew and worked with him as well as by individuals who simply wanted to celebrate the legacy of this great American leader. Appropriately, events took place on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC, which the mayor felt was his greatest achievement. So strong was his commitment to education that for nearly 30 years, from his days in the Illinois General Assembly in the 1930s until the completion of UIC in the 1960s, Richard J. Daley fought to bring a branch campus of our State's world-class public university to the people of Chicago and the region. The mayor's achievements were not limited to the city's skyline. He was a political leader who others, such as Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Baynes Johnson, counted on not only for support but good advice on important issues of the day. Mayor Daley was truly a self-made man. Before he was the leader of one of the world's great cities, he was a kid from the Bridgeport neighborhood who put himself through college and law school working as a cowboy at the famous Union Stockyards. As a State legislator in the 1930s, he married a lovely young woman from Bridgeport named Eleanor ``Sis'' Guilfoyle, with whom he raised seven outstanding children, including Richard M. Daley, the current mayor of Chicago; John Daley, chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Cook County Board and Democratic Committeeman of the 11th Ward; and William Daley, former U.S. Commerce Secretary. However, Mayor and Mrs. Daley were as proud of their children who pursued careers in teaching and homemaking as they were of their sons involved in public service. I had the honor to meet Mayor Daley once as a young man. After my father's inauguration as a Chicago alderman in 1975, our family met the mayor and Mrs. Daley at a reception. As the young Alderman Lipinski shook Mayor Daley's hand, it seemed the mayor did not recognize him, until the ever-observant and ever-gracious Sis Daley gently reminded the mayor who the gentleman in front of him was. Like all great leaders, Richard J. Daley had his share of setbacks and critics, but his legacy was and is Chicago's reputation, the City That Works. Mr. Speaker, let us not forget this legacy on the 50th anniversary of Mayor Richard J. Daley's inauguration.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeannine McLaughlin for her unyielding patriotism and support of our great country. Our Nation is fortunate to have people like Jeannine who support our country in unique, but very important ways. During the summer on 2004, while building a new home in LaGrange, Illinois, Jeannine committed an extraordinary patriotic act: she asked for her house to be built only with products made from American companies. Throughout the design and building process, Jeannine put forth an extreme amount of time and energy in researching even the minutest details of her home; all in hopes of realizing her American dream home. From the locks on her doors, to the tiles on her bathroom floors, Jeannine assured that all that could be made by American companies in America was used in her home. Jeannine sacrificed time and money for her American-made home. She endured a ten percent increase in the building costs of her home. Even the smallest fixtures in the house were at times double the cost of those from international competitors. As the labor of her dreams are realized, Jeannine McLaughlin now looks at her home with pride as she knows her home is as American made as any home can be. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jeannine McLaughlin for her unparalleled dedication to our country. We wish her well in her new, truly American home.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, John Paul II was a remarkable leader whose intense faith, intellectual brilliance, and sheer physical stamina are beyond dispute. He has been an inspiration to me and to millions of others, and his leadership brought people of all faiths closer together. John Paul II was a beacon of freedom and he gave his voice to those who could not speak, especially to those who were oppressed by the brutality of Communist oppression. In public pronouncements during his visits to Poland and at every possible opportunity, he bore a simple message: truth matters, faith matters, freedom matters and injustice must be condemned and challenged. He encouraged such dissidents as Poland's Lech Walesa and Czechoslovakia's Vaclav Havel to live ``as if'' they were free, undermining the elaborate system of lies that the Communist system depended upon to survive. Once pretenses were stripped away, more and more people realized they were not alone. It was Pope John Paul II's courage and decisive action that nurtured Poland's Solidarity movement and served as a catalyst to the peaceful liberation of Poland and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Pope John Paul II was the first Pope to truly take his papacy outside the Vatican and deliver his message all across the globe. He made an outstanding 104 pilgrimages to 129 countries. I had the privilege of seeing the Pope twice, once in 1979 at a mass at Five Holy Martyrs Parish in Chicago and once at a mass at the Vatican on Christmas Eve. I am but one of millions of people worldwide who were moved by the personal experience both of his charisma and also the truth that he spoke. Pope John Paul II broke precedent after precedent in reaching out to those of other faiths. He was the first Pope since St. Peter to visit a synagogue and the first to visit a mosque. In an extraordinary illustration of his respect for other faiths, he issued a series of papal apologies for the Church's past treatment of Jews, for the Crusades, and for the Church's role in the post-Reformation wars of religion. He understood the critical importance of forgiveness for peace, even forgiving his would-be assassin. While some may view the Pope's statements and actions as representing an inconsistent political ideology, the truth is that everything that John Paul II did arose from one inviolable principle: Every individual has dignity, and society must constantly strive to uphold that dignity and promote a ``culture of life.'' He understood that if the life and liberty of each person is to be protected, this principle must motivate the actions of governments. I join my fellow Catholics and people everywhere in mourning the passing of the Holy Father. Pope John Paul II had a remarkable and blessed life, altering history and making the world a better place. But even with his death, there are still millions, including many youth, who have been inspired by his life, who will continue to strive to carry on his good work. This is a true testament to one of the greatest figures, perhaps the greatest figure, of the 20th century.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding organization in my district, the Women's Club of Lyons on its 50th Anniversary celebration this year. For five decades, the Women's Club of Lyons has promoted civic responsibility, philanthropy and friendship throughout its community. Chartered in April 1955, the Women's Club aims to encourage its members to become civic minded and socially active with charitable causes and community awareness and development. From its early days, the Women's Club has branched out into other charitable endeavors, including funding Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League, American Cancer Society, Lyons Food Pantry, youth programs with the Lyons Recreation Department, the Ronald McDonald House, the Constance Morris home for battered women, the Wives and Children Fund of the New York Policemen and Firemen's fund after 9/11, and the Stars and Stripes fund, as well as many other charitable causes. However, the club still maintains much of its original character as a place for women to form the bonds of friendship and camaraderie through its social activities and monthly meetings which feature speakers discussing important issues of the day. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Western Springs Women's Club and all of its members, past and present, on its 50 years of service to its community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three outstanding women in my district whose contributions to their communities have been recognized by an outstanding organization in my district. Kay Llewellyn, Rebecca Joworski Cortez and Therese Schey were named Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Whispering Oaks Council. This prestigious award, bestowed annually for the past 12 years, recognizes three community, business and educational leaders who are role models for young women. Ms. Llewellyn has taught sixth grade at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge for 23 years, specializing in science instruction. She has also counseled young women from less advantaged backgrounds to help them establish educational and career goals. Her advice to young women is simple, yet timeless: ``Being true to yourself and your beliefs and morals is never easy. But in the end that's what makes one a stronger person.'' Ms. Cortez is a graphic designer with the world renowned Field Museum and has worked with several Chicago museums and the Brookfield Zoo in my District. She has volunteered extensively at Forest Road School in La Grange Park, especially with sixth grade art classes in developing an annual Art Legacy Project. She believes that ``Young women today-- and young men, for that matter--need to value themselves and be aware of their self-worth. They need to respect themselves and have the courage to walk away from wrong choices.'' Ms. Schey represents the highest level of community service. She has lent her time and talents to several organizations including: the American Legion Robert E. Coulter Post Ladies Auxiliary; the Girl Scouts; the Countryside Women's Club; the Parent and Community Network; and she coordinated a drive to supply American troops in Iraq with a few comfort items, like sun block. Ms. Schey also finds time to serve as a part-time director of the St. Cletus School After Care Program. She tells young women that ``You need to have faith, confidence and trust in yourself. Keep yourself informed by reading, use of the Internet and staying aware of what is going on around you.'' Mr. Speaker, I salute these three Women of Distinction, and give them my best wishes for continued success as role models for our young people.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 23. Catholic schools have been educating American children since the founding of our country. They continue to serve as an important complement to our public schools and other private institutions, providing top-quality, values-added education for young students across the Nation. In my district, which is located in the Chicago archdiocese, dozens of Catholic schools have planned events for students, teachers, and parents to enjoy and celebrate Catholic Schools Week. At Saint Symphorosa, students are participating in a community prayer service, a neighborhood ice cream social, and a variety of educational events. In addition, they are taking part in Vocation Appreciation Day. Saint Francis Xavier in LaGrange, my home parish, they are celebrating with Student and Teacher Appreciation Days, an academic fair emphasizing student curriculum and student projects, and a special liturgy honoring teachers, students, and parents, all of whom make great contributions to the integrity and values of Catholic education. As we honor Catholic schools, we need to especially pay tribute to the more than 163,000 Catholic school teachers nationwide. These dedicated sisters, priests, brothers, and lay teachers are the backbone of Catholic education. They sacrifice so much personally in order to provide a top notch education that serves our children very well in preparing them for the future. My wife and I are each products of 12 years of Catholic elementary and secondary education: Judy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at Saint Patrick's grade school and Bishop McCourt High School; myself in Chicago at Saint Symphorosa Grammar School and Saint Ignatius College Prep. Although at the time I did not always appreciate their hard work, I have fond memories of my teachers who provided me with the fundamentals of a good education that laid the groundwork for future academic achievements. But just as important, they instilled in me the belief that I should use my God-given abilities to contribute to society. In doing this, they provided me with the inspiration for a career as an educator and as a public servant, just as they have inspired countless other Americans to contribute to our society. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to pass House Resolution 23.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding labor of love and faith in my district. Carl Demma of Oak Lawn had a vision nearly 20 years ago of expressing his Catholic faith by creating a larger-than-life statue of the Virgin Mary. His goal was to encourage people to reflect on their religious faith at the beginning of the new millennium. Mr. Demma's vision was realized in a 33-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary. Our Lady of the New Millennium was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1998, and, since that time, hundreds of thousands of the faithful have been able to view the statue. Since Carl passed on in 2000, his beloved wife Francine has dedicated her time and energy to ensuring that the statue continues to be transported from parish to parish for all the faithful to experience. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. and Mrs. Demma for their dedication and their many years of service to the community.